Researchers analyzed 19 studies to identify what factors are associated with poor medication adherence in people living with bipolar disorder. The study looked at various factors including age, education level, substance use, and the severity of symptoms.
The findings showed that several factors were linked to lower adherence. These included being younger, having a lower education level, and experiencing an earlier onset of the condition. Additionally, patients who had more manic or mixed episodes, more hospitalizations, or higher levels of global severity were less likely to follow their medication plans consistently.
Other significant links were found with substance use, such as cannabis and alcohol, as well as co-occurring conditions like generalized anxiety disorder and personality disorders. Because the evidence was generally weak due to small effect sizes and potential inconsistencies, these results should be viewed as associations rather than certain causes. These findings highlight specific areas where doctors can focus on creating better support for patients.
